Remote located clutch

ABSTRACT

A drive package includes a remote located CVT and a motor where the CVT is positioned rearward (or forward) of the motor. An auxiliary drive mechanism couples a drive shaft of the CVT to a crankshaft of the motor. The auxiliary drive mechanism is a belt or chain. The drive shaft is substantially parallel to, and longitudinally offset from, the crankshaft. Thus, the width of the drive package is reduced as compared to ATVs having a CVT located adjacent the motor. A method of making an ATV with the drive package is provided.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a drive package for vehicles, and more particularly, to a drive package with a remote located continuously variable transmission (CVT) for an all-terrain vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Vehicles, particularly straddle-type all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), have limited area to house the drive components of the vehicle, such as a motor and a transmission. Presently, most all-terrain vehicles have a CVT with a drive clutch positioned laterally of the motor. The crankshaft of the motor extends to or is coupled to the drive clutch of the CVT, such that the drive clutch is laterally adjacent (typically to the left or right) of the motor. This configuration consumes a certain width below an operator riding area, such as the foot-wells (or seat) of the vehicle, because the motor and the CVT are positioned primarily below the riding area upon which a rider sits. The result is that the foot-wells of the vehicle are spaced apart by the certain distance dictated by of the drive clutch of the CVT being adjacent the motor. It is advantageous to reduce the width of the drive package, in part, because the distance between the foot-wells, and the resulting vehicle width, are important design factors considering the various sizes of riders, ergonomic factors, and the width regulations that apply to certain all-terrain vehicles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior-art drive systems by providing an all-terrain vehicle with a remote-located CVT positioned rearward (or forward) of a motor. An auxiliary drive mechanism (e.g., a belt) couples the CVT to the motor. As such, the drive package width is reduced, and therefore, the foot-wells of the vehicle are closer together as compared to a comparable ATV with a drive clutch driven directly by the crankshaft.

In a preferred embodiment, an ATV includes a front pair of ground engaging members (e.g., wheels) and a rear pair of ground engaging members (at least one pair for moving the vehicle). Naturally, the ATV includes a motor having a crankshaft for transferring rotational power to a transmission for rotation of the ground engaging members. Here, the vehicle includes a CVT with a drive clutch shaft rotatably coupled to the crankshaft and positioned either rearward or forward of the crankshaft. In either configuration, the drive clutch shaft is preferably substantially parallel to, and longitudinally andor vertically offset from, the crankshaft. In the preferred embodiment, the drive clutch shaft is positioned rearward the crankshaft (FIGS. 1 and 2). An auxiliary drive mechanism rotatably couples the drive clutch shaft to the crankshaft. The auxiliary drive mechanism may be one of a belt, chain, or shaft, but preferably a belt. Because the auxiliary drive mechanism can be a relatively thin belt, for example, the drive package width is reduced because the CVT is positioned rearward the motor (FIG. 2), as opposed to on one side of the motor as with many existing ATVs.

As with many CVTs, the drive clutch is attached to a driven clutch by a CVT belt. The driven clutch is coupled to an output member and a gearbox system for rotating one or both of the front pair and the rear pair of ground engaging members. Typically, the gearbox system would be a transaxle for rotation of a rear axle coupled to the rear pair of ground engaging members (FIG. 2).

In some embodiments, the ATV includes a secondary drive mechanism rotatably coupled to one of the crankshaft and the drive clutch shaft for providing motive power to at least one auxiliary device attachable to the ATV. In some embodiments, a stator is secured to the side of the motor at the end of the crankshaft on an opposing side of the motor from the auxiliary drive mechanism to provide electrical energy from the rotation of the crankshaft. Alternatively, the stator assembly can be attached to the drive clutch shaft (which is in continuous rotation with the crank shaft) to further reduce the width of the entire drive package.

In some embodiments, a centrifugal clutch may be attached to one of the crankshaft and the drive clutch shaft. As such, the centrifugal clutch provides engagement of either the crankshaft or the drive clutch shaft (as the case may be) as revolutions per minute exceed a certain threshold.

A method is provided for making a drive package for an ATV having a front pair and a rear pair of ground engaging members. The method includes, in any particular suitable order, attaching a motor having a crankshaft to the vehicle and coupling an auxiliary drive mechanism (e.g., a belt) to the crankshaft, so that the auxiliary drive mechanism is rotatably drivable by the crankshaft. The method further includes positioning a drive shaft of a CVT rearward of the crankshaft, and coupling the auxiliary drive mechanism to the drive shaft. Accordingly, rotation of the crankshaft causes movement of the auxiliary drive mechanism, thereby causing rotation of the drive shaft to move one or both of the front pair or rear pair ground engaging members.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred and alternative examples of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the following drawings:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a drive package of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of an ATV with the drive package of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 is a left side view of the ATV of FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 shows a drive package 10 for an ATV 12 (FIGS. 2 and 3) in a preferred embodiment. The drive package 10 includes a motor M having a crankshaft 14, in a similar manner to many motors and crankshafts on ATVs. Attached to the crankshaft 14 is a first pulley or gear 16. Rotatably coupled to the first gear 16 is an auxiliary drive mechanism 18, such as a belt or chain, extending from a lateral end of the crankshaft 14. A second pulley or gear 20 is also rotatably coupled to the auxiliary drive mechanism 18. Attached to the second gear 20 is a drive shaft 22, such as a drive clutch shaft. The first gear 16, the second gear 20, and the auxiliary drive mechanism 18 may be covered by a housing 24. As the motor M rotates the crankshaft 14 and the gear 16 rotate in a counter-clockwise direction, for example, as the auxiliary drive mechanism 18 is translated and thereby rotates the gear 20 and drive shaft 22 in the same direction.

The drive shaft 22 is drivingly engaged to a CVT 26. The CVT 26 includes a drive clutch 28 attached to the drive shaft 22. The drive clutch 28 is rotatably coupled to a driven clutch 30 by a CVT belt 25 (FIG. 3). A driven shaft 32 is attached to the driven clutch 30 and coupled to a set of gears 34 (or a gearbox 34; FIG. 2) for transferring rotational energy to a rear axle and to a front drive member 36, which is coupleable to a front pair of wheels (FIG. 2). In operation, as the drive shaft 22 is rotated by the crankshaft 14 via the auxiliary drive mechanism 18, the drive clutch 28 rotates the CVT belt 25 that rotates the driven clutch 30, and consequently rotates the driven shaft 32. The driven shaft 32 may cause rotation of either or both of a front axle or rear axle of a vehicle (e.g., the vehicle of FIG. 2).

Of importance, the CVT 26 is positioned rearward of the motor M and crankshaft 14, in the preferred embodiment. The CVT 26 is coupled to the motor M by the auxiliary drive mechanism 18. Because the auxiliary drive mechanism does not include the relatively wide clutches of a CVT, the drive package width (or envelope width) of the package 10 is reduced as compared to existing packages where the drive clutch is immediately adjacent the left side of the motor. The result is a drive package that has a noticeably reduced width as compared to existing package configurations.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the vehicle 12 having mounted thereto the drive package 10 described with reference to FIG. 1. The vehicle 12 includes a frame 38 (schematically shown), a front axle 40, and a front pair of ground engaging members 42 (e.g., wheels in this example). A rear axle 46 is also coupled to the frame 38 and is coupled to a rear pair of ground engaging members 44. From this view, it will be appreciated that the drive clutch shaft 22 is longitudinally offset from the crankshaft 14. Thus, the crankshaft 14 has a longitudinal axis A that is substantially parallel to, and spatially forward of, a longitudinal axis B of the drive shaft 22. Thus, the crankshaft 14 is oriented transverse to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. This provides the advantage of providing a predefined envelope E with a predefined width W because the drive clutch 28 is not positioned laterally adjacent the motor M and crankshaft 14, as with existing systems. Here, the drive clutch 28 is rearward the motor M in the preferred embodiment while the crankshaft still exits the side of the engine for transfer of rotational power. Alternatively, the drive clutch 28 and CVT 26 may be positioned forward of the motor M. In some embodiments, depending upon the type of motor used, width W is between 16 inches and 23 inches. In a preferred embodiment, width W is 16 inches or less. One preferred example, with a single cylinder engine, width W is preferably 21.5 inches, or less in some configurations. Using a parallel twin cylinder engine, width W is preferably 23 inches, or less in some configurations.

As discussed with reference to FIG. 1, the driven clutch 30 rotates the driven shaft 32, which is coupled to the gearbox 34. In a preferred embodiment, the gearbox 34 is a transaxle coupled to the rear axle 46 (gearbox 34 is longitudinally exaggerated in FIG. 2 for purposes of illustrating the configuration of the CVT rearward the motor). A half shaft of the rear axle will typically extend from each side of the gearbox 34 to the right and left wheels. As will be appreciated from FIG. 2, each power transfer linkage from the crankshaft 14, to the drive shaft 22, to the driven shaft 32, to the rear axle 46, are each zero degree power transfer linkages relative to each other. Thus, the crankshaft 14, drive shaft 22, driven shaft 32, gears of gearbox 34 (FIG. 1), and rear axle 46 each have an axis of rotation substantially parallel to each other (respectively labeled A, B, C, D, and E). Such configuration is advantageous because it improves the engine efficiency by minimizing energy losses due to zero-degree power transfer linkages from the crankshaft 14 all the way to the axle 46, for example.

A left foot-well 47 and a right foot-well 49 are disposed on either side of the predefined envelope E. Because the predefined width W is 21.5 inches or less, in a preferred embodiment, the foot-wells 47 and 49 are positionable closer together than with existing ATVs. Not only is such spacing ergonomically comfortable, the spare spacing provides room for other vehicle features, including reduced overall width.

In some embodiments, a supplemental gear 48 is attached to the drive shaft 22, and a secondary drive mechanism 50 is rotatably coupled to the supplemental gear 48 on drive shaft 22 for providing power to at least one auxiliary device X attachable to the vehicle 12. The at least one auxiliary device X may be one or more of a water pump, oil pump, compressor, or other device that requires power transfer from the crankshaft of the engine. Advantageously, attaching such devices to the drive clutch shaft (instead of the crankshaft) further reduces the overall width of the drive package. In some embodiments, a centrifugal clutch 51 is coupled to the drive shaft 22 and is actuated at a threshold rotational speed of the drive shaft 22. Of course, an upstream shaft and a downstream shaft (in the drive train sense) would be attached to either side of the centrifugal clutch 51, as with a typical centrifugal clutch configuration. In the configuration shown with the supplemental gear 48 upstream of the centrifugal clutch 51, during relatively low rpms (e.g., when the motor idles) the supplemental gear 48 is rotated but the centrifugal clutch 51 is not yet actuated. In other embodiments (not shown on the figures), the supplemental gear 48 can be positioned downstream the centrifugal clutch 51 such that the supplemental gear 48 is not rotated until the centrifugal clutch 51 engages as rotational speed reaches the threshold.

In some embodiments, a stator 52 is coupled to the crankshaft 14 on an opposing side on the motor M from the auxiliary drive mechanism 18. The stator 52 forms part of an alternator to produce electricity for vehicle functions such as for powering electrical devices of the ATV.

In some embodiments, the gearbox 34 is coupled to the axle 46 (typically two half shafts) and the rear pair of ground engaging members 44 for two-wheel or four-wheel drive operation of the vehicle 12. It will be appreciated that the preferred drive configuration between the driven clutch 30 and the rear pair of ground engaging members 44 is a common transaxle configuration. Alternatively, a separate rear drive case may extend from a transmission to drive the rear wheels.

FIG. 3 shows a left side view of the ATV of FIG. 2. As can be appreciated from this view, the CVT 26 is positioned rearward the motor M. Accordingly, the drive shaft 22 coupled to the drive clutch 28 is positioned rearward and spatially separate from the crankshaft 14.

While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, as noted above, many changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is not limited by the disclosure of the preferred embodiment. Instead, the invention should be determined entirely by reference to the claims that follow. 

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. An all-terrain vehicle having a sitting area with a reduced riding width, the all-terrain vehicle comprising: a front ground engaging member and a rear ground engaging member, at least one of said ground engaging members for moving the vehicle; a motor having a crankshaft, the motor positioned rearward of the front ground engaging member; and a CVT having a drive shaft rotatably coupled to the crankshaft and positioned either rearward or forward of the crankshaft such that the drive shaft is longitudinally andor vertically offset from the crankshaft.
 2. The all-terrain vehicle of claim 1, wherein the crankshaft is oriented transverse to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle, the vehicle further comprising an auxiliary drive mechanism extending from a lateral end of the crankshaft and being rotatably coupled to the drive shaft of the CVT.
 3. The all-terrain vehicle of claim 1, wherein the CVT includes a driven shaft rotatably coupled to an output member for rotating one or both of the front and rear ground engaging members.
 4. The all-terrain vehicle of claim 3, further comprising an auxiliary drive mechanism rotatably coupling the crankshaft to the driven shaft.
 5. The all-terrain vehicle of claim 4, wherein the auxiliary drive mechanism is one of a belt, a chain, and a shaft extending from an end of the crankshaft at a lateral side of the motor.
 6. The all-terrain vehicle of claim 3, wherein the crankshaft has a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to, and spatially forward of, a longitudinal axis of the drive shaft.
 7. The all-terrain vehicle of claim 2, further comprising a secondary drive mechanism rotatably coupled to the drive shaft for providing motive power to at least one auxiliary device.
 8. The all-terrain vehicle of claim 1, further comprising a stator coupled to the crankshaft and positioned either on an opposing side of the motor from the crankshaft or on the drive shaft of the CVT .
 9. The all-terrain vehicle of claim 1, further comprising a centrifugal clutch attached to one of the crankshaft and the drive shaft.
 10. The all-terrain vehicle of claim 1, wherein the CVT includes a driven shaft rotatably coupled to an output member for rotating a rear axis coupled to the rear pair of ground engaging members, wherein the crankshaft, drive shaft, driven shaft, output member, and rear axle each have an axis of rotation substantially parallel to each other.
 11. The all-terrain vehicle of claim 1, further comprising a supplemental gear attached to the drive shaft for powering at least one device attachable to the vehicle upon rotation of the drive shaft.
 12. The all-terrain vehicle of claim 1, wherein the motor and CVT define a predefined drive envelope having a predefined width, wherein the predefined width is between 23 inches and 16 inches.
 13. The all-terrain vehicle of claim 1, wherein the motor and CVT define a predefined drive envelope having a predefined width, wherein the predefined width is 21.5 inches or less.
 14. A drive package for an all-terrain vehicle having at least one pair of ground engaging members, the drive package comprising: a motor having a crankshaft adapted to drive the at least one pair of ground engaging members, the crankshaft having a lateral end extending from the motor; an auxiliary drive mechanism rotatably coupled to the lateral end of the crankshaft; and a drive shaft of a CVT, the drive shaft rotatably coupled to the auxiliary drive mechanism, the motor, the auxiliary drive mechanism, and the drive shaft having a longitudinal axis offset from a longitudinal axis of the crankshaft.
 15. The drive package of claim 14, wherein the longitudinal axis of the crankshaft is substantially parallel to, and spatially forward of, the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft.
 16. The drive package of claim 14, further comprising a centrifugal clutch rotatably attached to the drive shaft.
 17. The drive package of claim 14, wherein a predefined width of the drive package is 21.5 inches or less.
 18. A four-wheeler having the drive package of claim
 14. 19. A method of making an all-terrain vehicle having a front pair and a rear pair of ground engaging members, the method comprising: attaching a motor having a crankshaft to the vehicle; rotatably coupling an auxiliary drive mechanism to the crankshaft, the auxiliary drive mechanism adapted to be driven by the crankshaft; and positioning a drive shaft of a CVT rearward of the crankshaft; coupling the auxiliary drive mechanism to the drive shaft such that rotation of the crankshaft causes movement of the auxiliary drive mechanism, thereby causing rotation of the drive shaft to move one or both of the front pair or rear pair ground engaging members.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising attaching a centrifugal clutch to one of the crankshaft and the drive shaft.
 21. The method of claim 19, wherein positioning the CTV includes positioning a longitudinal axis of the drive shaft substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the crankshaft such that the drive shaft is longitudinally rearward of the crankshaft. 